#trailmarker

[nicks-lunchbox-service]

2.24.22 Adirondack drawing: Trail to Bullhead Pond, snowshoe hikes to frozen ponds are a favorite! (Day 7)

[mattdeford]

Deck- a pile; a heap FOR SALE! $45 ($100 framed) free shipping US and Canada. Comment or message if interested. Rohrer & Klingner Sketch Ink Black Lamy Al-Star 1.5 nib TWSBI Eco 1.1 nib Opus 88 Endless Trail EF nib - - - - #art #cairn #hiking #hikingtrails #trailmarker #youareneeded #artist #artistsoninstagram #illustrationartists #comicstrip #drawing #watercolor #ink #comics #penandinkchallenge #fountainpen #cartoon #word #wordofthedaybymatt #wordoftheday #instaart #buyart #collectart #dailyart #inktober … https://www.instagram.com/p/Co-TlNILx6M/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[tahomawhisperingwind]

Trail Markers and Signs in Apache Culture: Navigating Life Through Symbols

Image generated by the author

Introduction: Storytelling through Nature

Imagine standing at the foot of a rugged mountain, the air thick with the scent of pine and earth, as you gaze at the swirling clouds above. What if those clouds were not just a weather forecast but a roadmap of knowledge passed down through generations? This is the profound world of Apache trail markers—symbols etched in nature that guide both the feet and the spirit. In Apache culture, these markers are more than mere navigational aids; they are storytellers, weaving tales of survival, kinship, and a deep-rooted connection to the land. As we journey through the significance of these signs, we uncover layers of Apache identity and resilience, revealing how each marker is a gateway to understanding their rich heritage.

Historical Context: Ancestral Guidance Signs

For the Apache peoples, navigating the diverse terrains of the Southwest was not just a matter of survival; it was an art form steeped in tradition. From the arid deserts to the soaring mountains, the landscape was alive with stories waiting to be told. Trail markers—be they carved into wood, painted on rocks, or inspired by fleeting animal tracks—served as cultural symbols that conveyed essential teachings from the elders to the youth. Each marker, each sign, was imbued with purpose.

Consider the simple act of observing a cloud formation. To an untrained eye, they are simply part of the sky. But to an Apache, the clouds might signal a change in weather, a time for planting, or even an ancestral story of resilience against the elements. This deep understanding of the environment is not simply survival; it is a form of reverence, a kinship with nature that has been cultivated over centuries. It is a reminder that every rock, every tree, and every trail represents a piece of their collective memory.

Cultural Significance: Markers of Heritage

The significance of these trail markers extends far beyond navigation; they are pivotal in preserving Apache stories, traditions, and teachings. Elders often emphasize that the journey itself is a rite of passage, with each symbol reflecting Apache values—respect, resilience, and a profound connection to the land.

Take, for example, the story of a young Apache boy learning to navigate his world. Under the guidance of his grandfather, he learns to read the signs of nature—how to identify the tracks of a deer or the sound of the wind as it whispers through the trees. Each lesson is a thread woven into the fabric of his identity, reinforcing the importance of understanding one's place in the universe. As he grows, these markers transform into a map of his life, guiding him not only through the physical landscape but also through the metaphorical terrains of his existence.

An Apache Story: Symbols of Connection

Trail markers serve dual purposes: as navigational aids and as symbols of connection to the land and its stories. Apache elders pass down their knowledge through natural signs, teaching younger generations to recognize significant formations that guide them. The act of storytelling around the fire is sacred—a communal gathering where tales of ancestors and adventures come alive, with each story acting as a trail marker in the collective memory of the Apache people.

Imagine a circle of family and friends gathered around a flickering fire, the air filled with warmth and laughter. The crackling flames illuminate faces as an elder begins to narrate a story of their ancestors' journey across the land, pointing to the stars above as markers of guidance. The children listen intently, their imaginations ignited by tales of bravery and wisdom. This is more than entertainment; it is a vital transmission of cultural knowledge, reinforcing bonds within the community and ensuring that the lessons of the past guide the future.

Examples and Expert Insights: Signposts of Survival

Today, trail markers are not merely relics of the past; they embody a rich cultural knowledge system that is alive and relevant. Experts in Apache culture emphasize that the wayfinding techniques employed by the Apache people reflect a profound understanding of their environment. From the use of natural materials in crafting signs to the development of sign language, the Apache have created a comprehensive system that facilitates communication and navigation, especially in hostile environments.

Consider the intricate carvings on a tree trunk, each line a story etched in time. These signs serve as a reminder of the Apache's resilience, their ability to adapt and thrive in challenging landscapes. They are signposts of survival, teaching respect for the land and its resources, instilling a sense of responsibility that extends beyond individual needs to encompass the community and the environment.

Practical Applications: Beyond Navigation

While the primary purpose of trail markers may be navigation, their significance stretches far beyond that. They embody deep wisdom and foster community connection to the landscape. In contemporary times, these markers can enhance safety for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, promoting awareness of the cultural heritage that is interwoven with the natural world.

Imagine a group of hikers setting off on a trail, unaware of the history that surrounds them. By incorporating Apache markers into their journey, they not only gain a sense of direction but also an appreciation for the stories that lie within the landscape. This understanding fosters environmental stewardship, encouraging communities to maintain and protect these markers as a testament to their shared heritage.

Modern Relevance: Navigating Life Thoughtfully

The relevance of Apache trail markers extends into contemporary society, providing valuable lessons in sustainability and mindfulness. In a world filled with distractions, the Apache relationship with nature offers a refreshing perspective on how to navigate life thoughtfully. Each marker serves as a reminder to slow down, to observe, and to connect with our surroundings.

Consider how often we rush through our lives, missing the signs that could guide us. The Apache's deep respect for the land teaches us to pause and reflect, to understand that every step we take is part of a larger journey. It prompts us to ask: What are the signs in our own lives? How can we learn from the wisdom of those who came before us?

Conclusion: Symbols of Survival and Resilience

Trail markers in Apache culture encapsulate not only the wisdom of the past but also our shared human experience. They serve as guides through the physical world and metaphorical landscapes, teaching us that every journey is intertwined with stories worth telling. As we honor these markers, we are reminded of the resilience and respect for nature that defines the Apache people.

In the end, these symbols urge us to navigate our lives with intention, to be mindful of the paths we choose, and to listen to the stories that surround us. As we stand at the foot of our own mountains, may we carry the lessons of the Apache trail markers in our hearts—guiding us through the wilderness of life with courage and connection. In doing so, we honor not only Apache culture but our shared responsibility to preserve the stories of all the landscapes we traverse.

AI Disclosure: AI was used for content ideation, spelling and grammar checks, and some modification of this article.

About Black Hawk Visions: We preserve and share timeless Apache wisdom through digital media. Explore nature connection, survival skills, and inner growth at Black Hawk Visions.

[sarahschwartzrealtor]

If you're searching Trailmark homes for sale, then contact best Trailmark realtor, to help you find the perfect St Johns forest homes for sale

[pool-floatie]

Tall Tales Part 1.

Ok: to premise, this is my first ever work that I have posted, ive reread it a billion times anxiously and im finally gonna post it, dont have any art of the characters rn, use your ⭐imagination⭐ and or self insert 😏👍

The relationship can be taken romantically or platonically at this point, but it will have romance later on.

Here we go!

Avril unknowingly wanders off the path , as the trailmarkers are unclear and it is fairly new, they follow a straight clearing of trees, taking a left, walking for about a mile and going in a few circles.... and finally realise that they are lost. "noooo... .shit.."

They stay put, not knowing where to go and begin to call out to anything around them....

"Helloooooo!!!!!" they bellowed

"Im lost can anyone hear me !!!!"

Silence.....

That is until the slow rythm of the shaking ground became apparent, they looked around, fearing that an earthquake or rockslide would be their next challenge. Unable to pinpoint the source, Avril sprinted to the middle of the clearing, knowing they would be safer from falling objects.

The shaking persists, becoming louder, the pauses between make them wonder what the hell would make this sort of noise... None of their guesses were correct.

.

.

.

While wandering the forest, Jace senses something peculiar in the air, a scent he hadnt smelled in a while...

He approached the source, seeing a clearing, and right in the center. . .

Was that a human ? Jace smiled to himself, heheh, this would be fun~

Jace attempts to be lightfooted, it seems to have worked, in a way, as the human cannot tell where the massive tremors originate, it looks around jolting its head back and forth- Jace steps out of his hiding spot behind the thick foliage, revealing himself to the tiny being who is speechless at the sight of him. Crouching down and idly resting his chin in his hands, Jace takes in it's delightful look of shock and disbelief.

Avril stumbles backwards, attempting to fully take in the impossible sight before them. unable to form coherent thought, let alone words, avril can only stand there, eyes torn open, mouth agape and stuttering half-formed words.

Jace l o v e s this feeling, that look on the poor humans little face ~ mmm, he wishes he could savor it forever.

" Hello there ~" taunts the giant,

"what might you be doing wandering around here ?"

After a moments pause, trying to gather themself, the human speaks up.

"I-i-ii-im lo - lost , the- the tra-ail -"

"-Ohhhh, I see. And you managed to find yourself in my territory! How unfortunate for you~"

Avril pales, not sure what this giant was insinuating, but considering the dark tone he dropped into, they were sure that it was nothing good.

Jaces reaches a hand down, grabbing for the human.

Naturally, Avril attempts to run the fuck away, but they are promptly sprawled out on the ground by a massive hand s l a p p i n g down onto them.

Avril cries out, both from pain and fear as talon-like fingers wrap around their fragile form.

They are hoisted up quickly and flipped over onto the palm of Jaces hand.

Avril attempts to steady themself on the unfamilliar surface, their weak and pained body is assisted by adrenaline, they scramble to get off this thing and run as far away as possible, almost jumping from the surface until they realise the horrific height they have ascended to. Avril backs away slowly, sitting down and hugging their knees. Jace curls his fingers behind their back, making sure they dont fall or try to jump off again.

Avril pants and coughs from the dirt they inhaled during their capture, and Jace eyes them with curiosity.

"Whered' you come from?"

They gasp for a moment more, trying to get their bearings , Jace waits patiently

" a, um , a cam- campground" avril stutters, their bodys tremors match their voice.

With this question, Avril held hope, maybe the giant woud be taking them back?

"Mhm- and what is your name?"

"Av-ril?"

"Ohhh, that is so cute! im going to call you Av for short~"

Oh joy, nicknames.

"Well, my name is Jace." He stated simply

"Jace...?" Av spoke up nervously

"Hmm?"

"W-w what , why,. or-or .u-um"

They had so many questions, all equally terrifying to ask to an 80 ft tall being that literally had your life in its hands

Av took a breath, tremors still shaking their body " Are y- you going to- to let me go... ?" they asked with a slight glimmer of hope

Jace snickers, "let you go? Aw, now why would I want to do that? No darling your stuck with me."Jace teased.

-At least he wasnt mad I asked,,-Av thought, trying to keep a little hope so they didnt start spiraling.

"Av, I cant say I've had the pleasure to meet one of your kind before" jace said with curiosoty

"o- oh, um, same?"

"haha! Well im sure you havent! You humans are quite interesting, but I havent ever been able to get a good look at you before~"

Jaces other hand neared the human, they squeaked,backed up a bit, then, realising they could fall to their death, decided to maybe not do that and curled back into a ball instead.

Jace pinched av's arm between his fingers, not taking too much care to be gentle. Av clenched up, unsure what the behemoth wanted with them, what if he was going to tear their arm off! He could rip Avril limb from limb without breaking a sweat! Maybe he wanted to see how much meat they had on their bones.... See if they were even worth eating.

Jace could feel its tiny, tiny fingers between his huge ones, ahh, that is just too cute! His fingers slide up its arm, so little and squishy~ its cute little face was tragically covered up as it curled into itself. Jace then noticed the humans shaking , his mouth made an 'O' shape realising he may be hurting it. . . he released its arm, which was immediately pulled into the shaking ball.

"whups, you alright tiny? "

After a few seconds of no response

Jace poked it, eliciting a surprised squeak.

"What are you doing all huddled up like that ?"

Still no response came from the shivering mass

"Hmmm. . . "

Jace shifted his hand, causing the ball of human to roll for a second, letting out a short scream as it unfurled. Jace was happy to see it's little face again, it was still shaking but at least he wasnt being ignored.

He hummed in thought before pivoting in the other direction, away from avrils last connection to the human world.

[lanternagainstthedark]

LanternAgainstTheDark's Trailmarkers

"Magic and belief, however, are like a dense forest. It is full of paths and trails and secrets. However many paths exist, however, there are 3 times that number unknown. Finding your path, treading your trail, marking your map, that is up to you. The only right answer comes from these three places in balance: Belief(from your heart), knowledge(from your mind), and respect(from your actions). Treat this sacred and magical place with respect, and you will find a place of acceptance, love, and great impact on yourself. Magic is a journey. Lace up your hiking boots," grab your lantern, "and get to walking."

I wrote this quote for the first time in a notebook. It was written after multiple false starts, and as a new introduction for a book I am still trying to write. It's a book I wish I had when I started my own path. It now exists on this tumblr, and in a google doc, and still within that notebook.

Let me be clear. My username does not in any way shape or form denote that I am against baneful magic. The "light" is representational of wisdom, knowledge, and learning. My "lantern against the dark" is my vow to learn in-spite of everything that prevents my own learning.

My hope is that my blog can be a bastion of knowledge for people who are lost like I was, in the darkness of unknowing, and being unknowable. My lantern is one of acceptance and will be here to mark the trail. I hope to help you find your lantern.

Shall we begin the journey?

Hiking Boots is a book I have the bare bones of. I have been writing it has a how-to guide for building or finding your path-because that is what belief needs. A path, one you follow or one you make. It is linked to #Hiking Boots(Magic).

Pop Culture Paganism- the bulk of my path is made along this. I will not be responding to any hate or rudeness in regards to this.

Mudoran Paganism/Hyrulean Paganism/loz paganism-Legend of Zelda based beliefs, practices, spells, and rituals. This is mostly focused on the Lady Farore, as she is who my practice is focused around. These are the major tags I use for those posts.

Emelan pagan- focuses on the practices and beliefs of the Winding Circle Temple in Tamora Pierce's books the Circle of Magic/Circle Opens/Circle Reforged. Most of the posts authored by me are for Lady Mila of the Grain. I reblog some posts from the past for others, but my focus is Lady Mila.

Minecraft Paganism- nothing posted, and I seem to be moving away, but anything that ends up here will be tagged this.

Star Wars paganism/Jedi Magic/The Force is Within Me- I have recently moved into star wars in my practice, so you can expect posts to be under these tags.

Popular Tags

epithets- I am very fond of sharing epithets- and in the PCP realm, creating them. Feel free to ask me to think of some for your deity, I would love too!

my personal practice- personal practice and UPG, as well as spell work, ritual work, sigils etc.

magic 101- anything that I think is useful for young witches and/or pagans to know!

[wintergale27]

Another random group of background characters!!

This time, it's Batwing, Bugberry, and their kits. The cave colony's #1 dysfunctional family.

(Rambling character info + a bonus piece under the cut!!)

Batwing (she/her) is the head of camp for the Cave Colony. She's always been a bit prickly, often disagreeing with the cats around her. She met Bugberry through cooking duty, as he likes to experiment with making sauces out of berries (hence his namesake). They were an unlikely couple, with little in common, but they eventually grew close enough to announce that they had become mates.

Bugberry (he/she, transfem) has always been kind of just...mediocre. An alright hunter, good enough at fighting, passable at crafting. But she's always been kind of lonely. Even after joining the colony, his mother's advice of how a proper, respectable tom-cat should act stayed in his head. So when the gorgeous she-cat working the fire beckoned him over, who was he to say no?

Their mateship started out decent. They both were getting what they wanted out of it, and the other's company wasn't so bad, really. But a few moon cycles after Batwing delivered their kits, Bugberry started having some thoughts about himself. He wasn't so sure that "tom-cat" entirely described him anymore. But when she tried to get Bat's advice on the matter, Bat didn't exactly react so great.

She called off the relationship right there, declaring that Bugberry was no longer the tom she fell in love with. Bug tried to talk it out, but, there wasn't much she could do. Their kits were confused by the change, where was Mama going and why does Papa flinch when they call for him?

Elk (she/her) is the oldest of the litter. At 8 moon cycles, she was enjoying training under the colony Heads with her brothers. Was being the key word here. Lately it just seems like...somethings off. Her body doesn't quite hurt, but it definitely doesn't feel right. Why can't she remember what she was doing before Ma came in to yell at her for slacking off?

Web (he/him) has a lot of pressure on his shoulders from Batwing. As he's nearly identical to her, she picked him out of the litter to be her "perfect son". She expects too much of him, and when the Heads report that he needs more one-on-one work to get the hang of his training, it nearly sets her off. He can't be anything less than perfect, and that definitely shouldn't include the longing looks he sends at the new cross-colony trainee.

Quail is...forgotten most of the time. Even as hard as Baba tries, to Quail it feels like sometimes she still sometimes overlooks him to go to one of his siblings. He's perfectly average! Better than Web at everything, and he's almost caught up to Elk in hunting practice. Driftingcloud even called his trailmarker perfect the other day. But neither of his parents are there with encouraging words. So when Greywind offers for him to come along to deliver a message to the Ridge, he jumps at the opportunity. This unfortunately (perhaps? It seems that there are two ways this could end) leads to Quail being taken under the wing of Grass, a trainee from the Ridge that has a bit of a reputation for being a bully. They bond over their shared experiences and find solace in each other's company.

While Batwing and Bugberry co-parent the three, it seems like Bugberry is putting in most of the work. But some of the cats around Bugberry don't quite understand her, and despite the cave full of company, she has never felt more alone.

All in all, they all have very little role in the main story of Eye of the Storm. But, I like to develop each of my characters, no matter how minor they seem, so here they are. I like to image that I might make some mini comics or writing blurbs about the background stories happening.

Anyway, to offset all that teenage angst, here is a little piece of the siblings enjoying themselves.

[cloudbattrolls]

Once More, You and Me

SOME HOURS LATER

The maroon shook their head.

“I’m so sorry, I don’t remember anything else.” They said, apologetic. “Kana and I were playing on the grounds, and then the bugs appeared, and she started teleporting - you’re going to need a nullifier for her, if you don’t mind me saying, sir - and I got knocked out.”

They touched a wound on the side of their forehead, freshly scarred over in red.

Jikiro sighed.

“Yeah, that’s fair. Sorry that happened to you. Are you gonna be okay?” He asked, concerned.

The maroon - Lathti - nodded.

“It’s only a cut, sir, I got lucky from the sounds of what happened to you. Accidents are inevitable in any job.”

He snorted. “They usually don’t happen here, I promise. The estate is normal most of the time.”

They raised an eyebrow.

“Okay, maybe not entirely.” He admitted with a chuckle. “But you don’t wanna leave, right? I mean, I’d understand, but Kana really likes you, though uh…sorry she keeps going on about you being a youkai.” He said, scratching his neck in embarrassment.

He’d quietly asked Kuusek to check, just to be on the safe side and in case his magical senses were being fooled somehow, but the other maroon shrugged and said his castemate didn’t have any supernatural aura, not even a psiionic one. Unusual for a lowblood, but hardly suspicious.

They laughed it off, waving a hand. 

“Ah, what can you do? Wrigglers, you know? I’m just glad I detached her from my leg.” They snorted. “Kid has a grip.”

“You’re not kidding.” Sighed Jikiro, a frequent sufferer of those little hands pulling on him.

They laughed lightly, covering their mouth with a hand. 

“Well, I should get back to work, unless you have any more questions, sir.”

Jikiro thought, then nodded.

“Yeah, one thing - did you notice anything weird about the bugs, before you got attacked? Did they seem…smart, at all?”

The maroon blinked. “Smart? Like they were intelligent or something? Hm. I mean…no, I didn’t notice anything in particular, but that doesn’t mean they weren’t. I got knocked out too soon to notice.” They admitted, embarrassed.

“Did they seem like they were made of tech?”

“Tech?” They blinked. “Huh. That’s a funny idea. Why tech, sir? Were the ones that attacked you robotic?”

He nodded.

The maroon toyed with one of their long side strands of hair.

“Hm, maybe…they did glow green, but I thought they might be odd fireflies…”

“I wish.” Jikiro grunted, his worst fears confirmed. “No, whatever these are, they were clearly custom made and being controlled by somebody who has a lot of fancy tech. If I got my hands on one, I could track it, and maybe find the user.”

They blinked again.

“Track them, sir? Why not just track the user?”

“I can’t.” He said softly. 

Before he’d called Lathti over, he’d tried a spell on whoever this person or creature was that had taken Kana. He hadn’t expected it to work well - he barely had any identifying features to go off of, not even a name - but his attempt to discover more information about them hadn’t worked at all. 

The spell was entirely inert.

He’d realized, then, what the array had been for. What it had all been for. Kana’s kidnapping. Using the Disgraced’s remains. Taking his blood.

All of it for a spell that made the caster immune to any unwanted magic.

Jikiro’s one solace was that this mystery enemy hadn’t entirely won. He’d taken something from them too, when his trailmarks’ beams had hit their bugs. 

They’d never be able to cast a spell again. Not without having him break the disbarment personally.

He knew this would paint a target on his back if they ever figured out what he’d done. 

He didn’t care. 

His phone rang suddenly, and he waved a hand to dismiss Lathti while he took it, the lowblood nodding respectfully as they left.

“Jiji.” Gasped Jamie on the other end. “I need help. I need - get Ashe, I need Ashe, someone, a doctor, and not mine! Someone who can keep their trap shut, not from Civitrecce!”

Jikiro’s eyes went wide.

“Whoa, whoa, what? Ashe? You hate Ashe.” He said, mystified.

“I don’t care.” Said Jamie, through a choked sob. “If he can get this thing out of me, I’ll take it!”

“Wh - what thing.” Jikiro said, even more confused.

“A port, Jiji, I have a bloody port in my neck! Some - creature - did it to me! All I remember clearly is - laughter - awful laughter…”

“Hey.” The tealblood said in a soft tone. “We’re gonna figure it out. A lot of weird shit just happened over here too, I’ll catch you up later. I’m kind of tired, honestly, but I’ll call up Ashe and see what he says.”

“I’ll pay him double, I don’t care! I need this gone, and no one outside of us and our quadrants can know.” Jamie hissed. “I’m ruined if this gets out!”

“I know.” Said Jikiro, steady. “If you let me off the phone I can call him.”

“Right, yes, yes…” replied the blueblood, now sounding more scattered than angry. “Jiji…are you all right?” He said, tone turning concerned.

He snorted. “I’ve had worse. It was Kana I was worried about, but luckily she’s fine. In better shape than me, she slept through the whole damn thing.”

“Wh - Kana?” Jamie said, concerned. “Did something happen to her?”

“Get some rest, freckles. Like I said, I’ll tell you everything later, and I want Vil and Ashe here too so I don’t have to repeat myself three times.” He said with dry amusement. 

He yawned.

“But it’s almost morning, so it can wait. If something explodes while I’m asleep it’s someone else’s fucking problem, I do not have a good goddamn left to give.”

“What a charming way to put it.” Jamie retorted, but with little bite. “Good light, Jiji. We’ll talk in the evening, then.”

“Yeah. Light, freckles.”

The tealblood hung up on his kismesis, letting out a long, labored sigh.

What a night.

THE END OF

INFERNAL DEVICES

[plungelo]

1st week

been thinking about technologies a lot lately.

a week ago i went on a hike at blue hills and came to a point where i wasn't exactly sure where the trail led. the trailmarkers on the tree were a bit unclear so i pulled out my phone and looked at a map of the reservation. i found where i was, put my phone in the left water-bottle pocket of my backpack, and proceeded up a steep hill. i got a bit lost again but found my way without any map pretty easily. then i meditated on a rock somewhere, watched some trees and birds, and saw some tadpoles for the first time. it was a cool little part of the trail that i'm excited to revist.

then as i was about to leave that space, i realized my phone was gone. i frantically checked the water bottle pockets, where i had been putting it. okay, maybe i put it in the outer pocket, where it sometimes goes. nope. not in the larger pocket either, where i never put it. even on the second, third, and fourth times i checked all of these places, my phone didn't appear. so it was somewhere lost in the woods. my initial reaction was one of frantic concern, but i was able to chill out while i retraced my steps to the part of the trail where i last used the phone.

during that time of searching, i was not afraid of getting lost because the trail is well-marked. i wasn't concerned about not being able to communicate with people because i was already in a place where i wasn't doing that, and i can just text or email from my computer when i get home in an hour or so. i wasn't worried about navigating home because i know the highway and area well enough to get back. i wasn't worried about the monetary value of the phone, since i've gotten more than enough use out of it over the many years of owning it, and i knew my replacement would be a cheap, non-iphone. despite all of these factors that made me completely comfortable not having my phone, i still spent what felt like the longest portion of the hike searching for it.

what was driving me to look for it? part of me, while searching, was even looking forward to not having the iphone since i spend so much of my time pretentiously complaining about how much it distracts me from real life. so why was there still a sense of dread left in me, pushing me to keep looking until i found it? i lifted large rocks, kicked around leaves, re-climbed steep hills and exhausted myself for a thing i did not care for––a thing i oftentimes hate––and that i want to be without. i knew in my brain that there was nothing stressful about the phone being gone, but the idea of it not being with me caused a strange stress in my body that pushed me to keep looking.

eventually, i found it. i picked it up by this funny rock i looked at earlier on my walk. my first reaction when i saw it and picked it up was to audibly say, "okay." the relief i felt felt fake, because i should feel relieved to find an expensive electronic like that. but the dread from before was unmistakable, albeit minor.

since moving into the city, i've been grappling a lot with my weed dependence. like anything outside of my body that aids in a task, weed is a technology. if you replace my phone with a loaded doob tube in the above story, i've probably experienced the exact same thing so many times.

i guess that's all.

p&l

[flower-wizard]

Two persons by the mountain peak.

They headed back down the way they climbed sometime after this picture.

The top of the mountain is a vast and flat field of grasses flowers and berry plants, silent and timeless, with steep cliffs to the West and a gentle slope descending into the forest to the East.

An old garden perched on top of a fortress, we walked across it's length, admired it's beauty, and ate from the berries.

In the distance a trailmark left where the path down the mountain splits. We went the scenic way.

[expeditionmoney]

Ever feel like something's a bit off with your team? A quick tune-up might just change everything! Fun hearing from Scott Albrecht CUDE, CCUFC from ServiStar Consulting and Elliott Jardin, Ph.D. why good teams struggle and what we need to do to fix it! #teamdevelopment...

[twilighthiro]

THE STONE PILLARS THE SOLDIER GHOSTS STAND ON ARE LIKE THE TRAILMARKER STONE PILES PEOPLE LEAVE ON TRAILS

[dreamingst0ner]

Trailmarkers (7/15/21)

[marysalattiak]

“Balance in the Chaos” 22.3.2020 Cook’s Chasm #blackandwhite #blackandwhitephotography #cookschasm #cookschasmoregon #balance #balancechallenge #chaos #oregoncoast #photographersofinstagram #travel #travelphotography #wavescrashing #trailmarker #westcoast #malphotography https://www.instagram.com/p/CRUefd_JrSv/?utm_medium=tumblr

[ayearoferewhon]

#Repost @pepperjackadventures
・・・
PCT trail marker, Gifford-Pinchot National Forest.
#pepperjackadventures #pct #pnw #history #giffordpinchot #hikertrash #badge #trail #trailmarker #pacificcresttrail #washington #northwestisbest #keepontruckin #hyoh #happytrails #backpacking #adventures 


[david6of7]

Appalachian Trail Marker

Photography by David Velez

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